Low shock release device
US5718531A · kind A · utility
24Cited by
8References
20Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/21
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A release device is actuated to release a workpiece by operation of either of two elongated shape memory metal alloy (SMMA) members. Each SMMA member has on one end a feature that engages a fitting on the workpiece, while its other end is mounted to a housing. A heater on each SMMA member raises its temperature to a transition temperature at which it returns to an unstressed (e.g. shorter) length, thereby releasing the workpiece. The two SMMA elements may be disposed in opposite directions from the housing or may be coaxial or offset and disposed in the same direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.